Various Learning Styles and Approaches Among Pharmacy Students Utilizing VARK

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the preferred learning style of second year pharmacy students using the visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic (VARK) questionnaire. Background: Professional degree programs are challenging because the application of content requires a higher level of thinking to properly grasp concepts and theories. Students are tasked with learning a large amount of information in a limited amount of time and must be sure they are interpreting and applying information in a correct manner. It is important for students to be knowledgeable of their learning style in order to academically excel. Methods: The self-administered VARK assessment tool was disseminated among second year pharmacy students at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy at the Palm Beach Campus. Results: A total of 25 students participated. The majority (40%, N=10) of participants were kinesthetic learners followed by 36% (N=9) who preferred to learn by reading/writing. 6 students (24%) preferred visual aids, while only 5 (20%) were aural learners. Although a total of 25 students took the VARK assessment, five students had a dominant learning style in more than one VARK category. Conclusion: The aim of this study was to explore the diverse learning approaches that pharmacy students possess. Pharmacy students approach their learning in a variety of ways as identified through the VARK assessment. Grants: The study was not funded by any party.